The Ultimate Guide to Moving Your Car Interstate

Moving interstate is a stressful process because of the many tasks involved. Now, imagine if you need to transport your car as well, on top of everything else.

To ensure safe and fast car transport, your car must be well-prepared for shipment. Proper preparation, and hiring a reputable car transport service, are both crucial in minimizing the risk of car damage, preventing loss of personal items, and hastening the transportation process.

How to Prepare Your Car for Transport

Step 1: Remove all personal items

Having valuable personal items in your car during shipment may cause different problems, such as potential theft and damage. So you must remove all your valuables from the vehicle before sending it off to the car transport company.

Aside from personal items and rubbish, you must also remove mounted GPS devices, toll passes, custom alarm systems, and aftermarket upgrades. If the alarm system is not detachable, you need to disable it. Delays can happen if the alarm is accidentally set off while in transit.

Step 2: Give it a thorough wash

A thorough car wash will remove dust, dirt, debris, and grime. Also, this will help reveal all existing damages.

After removing your valuables and other detachable items, vacuum the interior of your car. These include the mats and seats. Also, wipe the windows, dashboard and other surfaces from the inside, including the cup holders and door jambs.

Then, move on to your car’s exterior. Use the right cleaning agents and supplies to preserve the appearance of the vehicle. Moreover, clean the often-missed places, such as around the tires.

Step 3: Secure any openings or loose parts

If your car has openings and loose parts, make sure to secure them before handing the car over to the transportation service. This will help prevent car damage as well as keep the moving truck and drivers who are travelling near it safe.

For instance, if your car has a sunroof or a convertible top, secure it in place so it won’t slide open while in transit. Also, dismount any removable crossbars or racks on the rear or top of the car. All detachable items, including the antenna, must be kept in a safe place and transported separately.

Step 4: Take note of all existing damages

With regular use, your car may have incurred some minor issues. So make sure to give it a thorough inspection, both inside and out, and record all scuffs, scratches, dings, and other kinds of damage. Take note as well of any mechanical issues. Failing to do so can lead to a costly mistake in case something happens to your car while in transit.

For a more detailed record, consider taking photos of all the damage, and don’t forget to make a copy of these snapshots. Most importantly, you must record the odometer reading.

Of course, keep these records in a safe and accessible place. You may need them once your car has been delivered.

How to Choose the Right Car Transport Service

An interstate car transport company is your best solution when it comes to relocating your vehicle. Though all car transport companies serve a similar purpose, they will differ in the quality of service they provide. That’s why it’s important to be meticulous in choosing a car transport service.

Here are tips to help you choose the best service provider:

●Inquire about insurance

A reputable car transportation company will do everything to keep your vehicle safe while in transit. Despite this, mishaps can still happen, so you must ask the service provider about the kind of insurance they have and the amount of available coverage they provide.

If they don’t provide enough coverage for your vehicle, you can buy additional coverage depending on the common types of damage that can be incurred during shipping, and the full value of your car.

●Focus on quality

Just like whenchoosing a professional plumbing service, price should never be the determining factor when selecting a car transport company. Instead, focus on the quality of service they provide. Your best option is a high-quality car transport service offered at a reasonable price.

●Check for trustworthiness

Make sure to visit the company’s website and look for certifications, accreditations and other proof of their credibility and reputation. Read the reviews of their previous clients as well. Whenever possible, contact some of their past customers to get an idea of how the company delivers their service.

It is quite stressful to search for a reputable car transport service. But if you know your needs and what to look for, you will surely end up working with a superb service provider.

Getting your car ready for transport will help reduce the hassle of moving it and the risk for damage while in transit. The removal process can further be made smoother and easier if you let a reputable car transport service deliver the vehicle to your new location instead of driving it yourself.

Indeed, with proper preparation and professional help, your vehicle will arrive at your new home on time and damage-free.

AUTHOR BIO

Kim Hill works on Marketing at Adams & Rofe Removals and Storage and has been a dynamic figure in the removal industry for over 30 years. For relocating families, individuals or offices around Sydney or all over Australia, Kim will develop the perfect removal plan to take the stress out of your next move.